book buckle

bronze
Tibet, ca. 14th cent.
high: 6 cm.

A beautiful old book buckle (leg shab), almost a thogcha! These buckles were used to hold together the loose papers of the book, together with the two wooden covers.
In the middle sits Buddha Sakyamuni, flanked by left the symbol of the Triratna, and right the vase of Abundance (kalasha).

The inscription says: Sha kya thub ba la na mo.
On the backside the mantra Om Ah Hum (almost vanished).